Many TV westerns came and went without so much as a whimper during the 20 glorious years thatGunsmokewas on the air.

If you grew up in the ’50s, ’60s, or even a bit of the ’70s, you probably think ofGunsmokewhen you remember the times gathered aroundthe TV with your family or friends. It’s two-decade span over the airways left a lasting impression on audiences all across the globe, but especially here in America. A show doesn’t stay on TVfor that long if people don’t genuinely love the characters and the storylines.

One other western,Bonanza, came close to matching the 20-year run, but Gunsmoke was able to hold on for just a few extra years.

But did you know thatGunsmoke almost went off the air in 1967? Can you image the drama everyone would have missed out on if that had happened?

These 10 little-known things about Gunsmoke are sure to bring you back and reveal a bitof what wasgoing on behind the scenes for those 20 long years.

1. James Arness’ War Wounds Affected The Shooting Schedule

James was severely wounded while serving as a rifleman in the army. His life-changing injury happened duringOperation Shingle, at Anzio, Italy in 1944.

The damage to his foot and leg made it hard for him to walk for long periods of time, so the scenes with a lot of walking or on-foot action were scheduled to be shot in the morning, before his injuriesgot thebest of him.

3. The Cast Had No Idea When They Were Canceled

Many of the cast members had to read about the cancellation in trade publications instead of hearing it directly from the network or producers. You’d think after that long, they’d get a little heads up before the news went public!

4. Dennis Weaver Auditioned Twice

Dennis didn’t think that his first audition went very well, so he convinced the casting directors and the other folks in charge to let him give it a second go. He put on his famous country accent for this second tryand, as we all know, got the part and was perfect for it.

6. The Show Was Responsible For The Cancellation Of ‘Gilligan’s Island’

In 1967,Gunsmokewas slated to be canceled, but it was saved by William Paley, the network president. He and his wife were huge fans of the show, and they decided to move it toGilligan’s Island‘s time slot on Mondays at 8:00 at night. This put an abrupt and unexpected end toGilligan’s Island, but it madeGunsmokefans very happy.

8. James Appeared In Every Single Episode

During 20 years and 635 episodes, James never caught a break! Everyone else on the show had episodes that their characters were not a part of, but James’s character, Matt Dillon, was needed for each and every one.

Remember that he was 32 when the show first aired, and 52 when it was finally cancelled. That’s a whole long while to play a cowboy every single day!

Kelsey Grammer is the only person other than James and Milburn Stone to play one character for as many years. Kelsey played Frasier Crane for 20 years, but on two different sitcoms,Cheers andFrasier.